Ovarian cysts and PCOS are related conditions with many of the same symptoms, meaning that women often confuse the two, or wrongly believe that they have PCOS when they do not.
PCOS can be difficult to diagnose because some of its symptoms have a variety of potential causes. For example, heavy menstrual bleeding could be caused by a range of conditions, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, bleeding disorders, certain medications, or pelvic inflammatory disease, in addition to PCOS.
PCOS can often be misdiagnosed for something else called Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea. In hypothalamic amenorrhoea (HA), your period can stop due to under-eating and/or overexercising, and similarly to PCOS can present itself with mild acne, excess hair growth and a polycystic ovary appearance on an ultrasound.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Unlike PCOS, Cushing syndrome is associated with the presence of moon facies, a buffalo hump, abdominal striae, and muscle wasting. Given the rarity of this condition, we suggest screening only those who present with these associated symptoms.
Other disorders that mimic the clinical features of PCOS should be excluded: thyroid disease, high prolactin levels, and non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Large ovaries with many small follicles (which look like cysts, hence the name "polycystic").
PCOS belly occurs when you develop excess fat or weight gain around your abdomen. This symptom often occurs due to an underlying diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance due to PCOS can influence your weight, causing you to gain unwanted weight.
The first step is to measure ACTH levels in the blood. If ACTH levels are low, the cause is probably an adrenal tumor. People with adrenal tumors don't need further blood tests. If ACTH levels are normal or high, the cause is probably a pituitary or ectopic tumor.
Mood swings: Because of the hormonal imbalance, women with PCOS also have a higher risk for depression, anxiety and extreme or rapid changes in mood. Heavy, painful periods: PCOS can cause painful periods with heavy bleeding. This can cause additional issues, such as anemia, and is often unpleasant and even scary.
Symptoms: there are no noticeable symptoms in around half of women with the condition, and there is usually no vaginal soreness or itching. Symptoms may include a greyish-white, thin and watery vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.
The easiest way of controlling PCOS is to go on the combined pill (such as Yasmin or Zoely) which prevents recruitment of new egg-follicles and stops the problem from getting worse.
Irregular periods.
Having few menstrual periods or having periods that aren't regular are common signs of PCOS . So is having periods that last for many days or longer than is typical for a period. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year. And those periods may occur more than 35 days apart.
There's some symptom overlap between PCOS and hypothyroidism. Specifically, both conditions can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and irregular or heavy menses.
Recent studies have shown that women who were diagnosed as having PCOS 30 years ago have a completely normal life expectancy. An inspection of more than 700 death certificates from women with PCOS has shown that there is no excess risk of cancer in any organ or of heart disease.
Cortisol belly is weight gain in the abdominal area, sometimes referred to as abdominal obesity, caused by an excess of the stress hormone cortisol. It can happen to anyone experiencing prolonged stress. 1. Other factors can also contribute to fat accumulation in the abdomen.
Although PCOS is the most prevalent cause of hyperandrogenism, it is important to remember that other diseases can also cause it. Many illnesses, including NCAH, idiopathic hyperandrogenemia (IHA), Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, adrenal ovarian tumors, and various medicines produce androgen excess.
Adrenal PCOS, as a subtype of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), is a health condition where the adrenal glands are responsible for the overproduction of androgens. This is unique due to the fact that, in traditional cases of PCOS, excess androgens are typically produced by the ovaries.
While thyroid problems can be misdiagnosed as PCOS, it is also possible to experience both hormone issues at the same time. Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism, for example, are more likely to occur for people with PCOS.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when your ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) create excess hormones. If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce unusually high levels of hormones called androgens.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 is especially helpful for your immune system, hormones, heart health, and energy. According to one study, 8 weeks of omega-3 supplementation may reduce morning cortisol levels and symptoms of emotional exhaustion. While fish oil pills often have some omega-3, they may also contain omega-6.
Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise can reduce stress, improve mood, and support hormonal balance. Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep, as sleep deprivation can contribute to stress and exacerbate PCOS symptoms.